AFS Intercultural Programs: High School in Switzerland

by AFS-USA

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VerifiedProvider

4.5 / 5Overall Rating

2Reviews

1947Year established

Contact Provider for Program CostsProgram Costs

VerifiedProvider

4.5 / 5Overall Rating

2Reviews

1947Year established

Program Overview

Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with mountains, forests, lakes, and modern cities like Zurich and Geneva. While there are three common languages – German (70%), French (20%), and Italian (10%), you will probably live with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation.

Family life is important to the Swiss and you'll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together. You'll discover a love for the outdoors in Switzerland since the Swiss greatly enjoy hiking, skiing, and bicycling. No matter where you’re placed, you’ll never be more than 10 miles from one of Switzerland’s 1,500 sparkling lakes.

Discover diversity in a peaceful, collaborative, and idyllic environment when you study abroad in Switzerland!

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Program Highlights

Immerse yourself in German, French, or Italian – the best way to become fluent.

Experience Switzerland’s stunning natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear lakes.

Live with a host family to deepen your immersion and connection to Swiss culture and, if you’re like most AFSers, you won’t want to leave this second family and home.

Make connections and memories you'll never forget with other AFS exchange students from all over the world.

Become a global citizen; gain intercultural communication skills; build your college and career resume; and help create a more peaceful, understanding world.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration

Travel Insurance

International Airfare

On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Pre-Departure Orientation

Quick Details

Location

Zurich, Switzerland

Starts AtContact Provider for Cost Details

Availability

Year(s) Offered:Year Round

Duration:

7-12 Months
3-6 Months

Age Requirement14-17

Types & Subjects

Focus Areas:

Experiential Learning
Homestays
Language Immersion
Student Exchange

Guidelines

Nationalities:

American

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Updated Jul 14, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

Zurich, Switzerland

Available Terms / Availability

Years Offered
Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

American

Education Levels & Language

Education
Some high school, no diploma

Accommodation Options

Home-stays

Application Procedures

In-Person Interview Required
Physical Exam/Health Records
Transcript
Online Application

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

7-12 Months
3-6 Months

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details

AFS Intercultural Programs: High School in Switzerland — video 1

AFS Intercultural Programs: High School in Switzerland — video 2

Student in front of canal with birds and houses in the background

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about AFS-USA

4.5

2 reviews

Rating breakdown

Top categories

Program Opportunities

5.0

Program Administration

4.5

Health & Safety

2.5

Personal Development

2.5

Living Situation

2.0

Cultural Immersion

2.0

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Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Xander DivelbessUnited States · May 2022

I had the best year of my life.

Studying abroad in Switzerland was the best decision of my life. I am so grateful that I believed in myself and got out into the world, stepping out of my comfort zone. I was blessed with a wonderful family that took care of me and gave me the freedom I needed to make friends and immerse myself in the Swiss culture to the degree I wanted. Not only did I learn about a new culture but I also learned about myself as a person, which is an incredibly valuable lesson that not much can teach. The most important part about approaching going abroad is believing in yourself and having faith that things will work for you. I became a new person by the end of my year abroad, thanks to the beautiful experience I had, and I would not trade it for a single thing on this Earth. Now that I have ties to Switzerland, I am doing everything I can to go back there for higher education.

Response from provider

Dear Xander, thank you for your wonderful review! We are so glad that you had an incredible year. Please stay in touch with us!

anonymousSwitzerland · October 2009

Great experience

Really great experience. I would definitely recommend the program.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about AFS-USA.

What is High School like in Switzerland?

Switzerland has one of the world's top education systems, and you can expect your classmates to be highly motivated and engaged students. You’ll most likely attend a baccalaureat school, an academically competitive high school that prepares students for university studies. A typical day might start around 8 am and end around 6 pm. Most schools have classes until noon on Wednesday, leaving the rest of the day free for skiing and other activities.

What is Teenage Life like in Switzerland?

Teenagers are usually very active and participate in sports and clubs organized by the school or community. Since the Alps cover more than half of the country, you can definitely plan on lots of opportunities to go skiing and mountain climbing. Other popular sports include ice hockey, biking, and soccer.

What is the Food like in Switzerland?

The Swiss diet is mostly a mix of French and German cuisines, with a variety of sausages and rich cheeses, as well as several fish and pork dishes. The German influence can be seen in plates of spaetzli (homemade pasta covered in butter and oil), while French-speaking areas are known to enjoy fondue and raclette (melted cheese eaten mostly during the winter months).